Project Self-Sufficiency of Loveland-Fort Collins

The primary goal of Project Self-Sufficiency is to enhance the potential for families to become self-sufficient through the provision of state of the art career planning; comprehensive services and supports that remove barriers and promote the completion of education and training goals; and model career placement processes that assist single parents in securing living wage employment.

Objectives necessary to complete these goals include the following:
• The development of a one-on-one, long term relationship with a highly skilled Advisor
• Completion of a comprehensive career planning curriculum within the first twelve months
• Development of a Self-Sufficiency Action Plan that outlines annual objectives
• Outline academic plan for post-secondary educational achievement, earning certifications and degrees
• Support for a family's basic needs through the Healthy Families Program, including transportation, housing, child care, scholarships, tutoring, and gas/grocery cards
• Guidance through an intensive career placement curriculum to maximize employment options
• Opportunities to enhance life skills through individual advisement, workshops, and counseling
• Community outreach and education regarding the needs of single parents

Project Self-Sufficiency employs highly trained Program Advisor staff, with experience in social work, counseling, career exploration, academic planning, barrier removal, and leveraging community resources to achieve educational and career goals.
We evaluate our evidence-based practices using data gathered from a variety of sources. Individual level data is recorded following each Advisory meeting in a database management system that allows evaluators to create customized reports and analyze results at any point in time. This evaluation tool provides key information about areas of strength and areas for growth at the individual level as well as at the agency level. Data gathered includes: demographics, education metrics, employment and wage data, personal history (such as ESL, victims status, or criminal history), and housing placement.
During monthly meetings, Advisors provide a wide range of services based on individual needs including crisis counseling and problem solving, information and referrals to area resources, advocacy with agencies and systems, and information and support with applying for programs that help remove barriers such as transportation, child care, scholarships, public benefits, etc.

Current program capacity is 120 single-parent families at a time. On average, we serve approximately 140 single parents a year. Eligible single parents must demonstrate income at or below 225% of the poverty level; one or more children aged 15 or younger living with her or him 50% or more of the time; and a need for the services of Project Self-Sufficiency. The average number of children per family is two. 96% of single parents enrolled are mothers and 4% are fathers. 70% of program participants are white; 29.6% are ethnically diverse.

Expected program outcomes for 2022 are:
1) 130 participants served
2) 15 low-income single parents will receive a degree or certificate;
3) 95% of program graduates who are employed secure career-related employment
4) 90% participants increase income by $25,000 as compared to intake
5) 75% of parents increase Self-Sufficiency Matrix scores